ALL-TIME PEAK OF 588,503 PUBLISHERS IN AUGUST! A FITTING CLOSE T01981 SERVICE YEAR IN THE U.S.

How thankful we all are for Jehovah's rich blessings upon our efforts during the 1981 service year! On April 19, 1981, we had the highest number ever to attend a Memorial celebration in this country. Then, during the summer months 1,057,237 attended the district conventions in the United States. This was another peak figure. And now, to close out the 1981 service year, a new all-time peak of 588,503 publishers was reached. This is 11,134 more than the previous publisher peak back in November of 1975. Let us continue moving forward as loyal Kingdom proclaimed, praying that the Word of God will keep on growing in its powerful influence on our lives and that the number of new disciples will keep on multiplying.—Acts 6:7.

Meetings for Field Service

NOVEMBER 2-8

Why is it encouraging to:

• 1. Realize that Jesus is with us in the preaching work? (Acts 18: 9, 10)

• 2. Offer group prayer before going into territory? (Acts 4:29)

NOVEMBER 9-15

When offering subscriptions:

• 1. What points will you highlight in current magazines?

• 2. How will you show the value of being a subscriber?

• 3. How will you respond if householder declines subscription?

NOVEMBER 16-22

How can we help one another: 1. To face apathy or opposition

at the doors? (Eccl. 4:9, 10) 2. To have a fuller share in the preaching work?

• 3. To work together as families?

NOVEMBER 23-29

How might we:

• 1. Initiate return visit with one who has taken magazines?

• 2. Offer such one a Bible study?

• 3. Invite him to the Kingdom Hall?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Blessings of "New Earth."

2 Pet. 3:13—A promise from God. Rev. 21:1a, 3, 4—What it will mean.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached: November 1: Pages 347¹ to 357¹ November 8: Pages 357¹ to 363 November 15: Pages 364 to 370¹ November 22: Pages 370¹ to 378 November 29: Pages 379 to 388¹

} “Come with me, and see my zeal for Jehovah.” Thus spoke Jehu to Jonadab when carrying out his commission from Jehovah. (2 Ki. 10:16, American Standard Version) Today, also, many have noted the zeal of Jehovah’s servants.

• ² One modern historian stated: “Jehovah’s Witnesses have literally covered the earth with their witnessing. ... It may be truly said that no single religious group in the world displayed more zeal and persistence in the attempt to spread the good news of the Kingdom.” Others have said: “We admire their zeal.” Yes, true Christianity is marked by zeal. That is why Jehovah’s Witnesses are so active in spreading lifegiving knowledge.

• ³ Zeal is defined as intense eagerness or ardent interest in pursuit of something. Some synonyms are: enthusiasm, intensity, willingness and fervor. Where there is zeal there is life, vibrance. Spiritual

  Proper Decorum as a Christian

  
  

¹ We are “a theatrical spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men,” stated the apostle Paul. (1 Cor. 4:9) As Jehovah’s Witnesses we consider it a privilege to represent our Father, Jehovah, in a clean and modest way. We know that our conduct, speech, grooming and clothing styles all can influence others as to how they view the true worship of Jehovah.

• ² Christians are expected to maintain proper decorum. Our conduct, grooming and dress at all times should reflect the decency and dignity that befits dedicated servants of God. It certainly would not be fitting for Christians to be immodest or inconsiderate of others.—Mic. 6: 8; 1 Cor. 10:31-33.

• ³ When others view us, what do zeal includes having genuine love for God and neighbor. (Mark 12: 29-31) It is contagious and stirs one up to a godly ministry. “Exert yourselves vigorously,” exhorts Jesus. “Do not loiter at your business,” echoes Paul, reminding us of the urgency of our preaching activity. Let all of us, therefore, participate zealously in spreading the life-giving knowledge of truth. —Luke 13:24; Rom. 12:11.

SPREADING LIFE-GIVING KNOWLEDGE

* What a joy it is to help someone come to know and serve Jehovah! Our magazines are an aid to that end. Our zeal should move us to make time to declare the “good news.” During November, we can show zeal by presenting the subscription for both The Watchtower and Awake!, just as we did in October. To serve Jehovah with faithfulness and zeal involves work, but if we have appreciation for the increasing ur-(Continued on page 4, col. 3) they see? Does our dress bespeak a lack of modesty? Could our dress and grooming be viewed as suggestive or provocative? Would others be distracted or offended by our appearance, bearing or manner? According to reports received, this has actually happened. Many of you brothers have expressed particular appreciation for comments that were made at the “Kingdom Loyalty” District Conventions last summer regarding proper Christian conduct, dress and grooming.

• ⁴ One of the talks, you will recall, stated very forcefully: “Why any servant of Jehovah God should want to imitate the styles that characterize the immoral, rebellious elements of the Devil’s world is difficult to understand. Why try

(Continued on page 2, col. 2)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 1 Song 4

• 5 min: Local announcements.

15 min: “Be Zealous in Spreading Life-giving Knowledge.” Questions and answers, to be handled by an elder.

15 min: “The House-to-House Challenge.” Service overseer or another elder conduct question-and-answer coverage of May 15, 1981, Watchtower article. Consider local situation and attitudes that call for perseverance. Highlight Scriptural and practical solutions. Enthusiastically encourage regular participation in field ministry.

10 min: “Five Special Talks for January.” Discuss article and outline local arrangements. Remind all of weekend field service.

Song 10 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 8

Song 51

8 min: Local announcements, including accounts report.

10 min: “Presenting the Good News—With Boldness.” Question-and-answer coverage of material. Consider as many scriptures as time will allow. Highlight principle taught by each experience.

15 min: “Proper Decorum as a Christian.” Talk, with some audience participation. Elders should apply material, having in mind local trends or problems. Encourage young and old to avoid casual view.

12 min: Information on page one dealing with new all-time publisher peak should be considered by service overseer. Also discuss congregation field service report for month of October, Compare with monthly report from previous year. Remind all to record activity and turn in report. Encourage family participation in magazine work on second Saturday of month.

Song 8 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 15

Song 65

8 min: Appropriate Announcements, local announcements and Theocratic News.

15 min: “Remember Those Who Are Taking the Lead.” Question-and-answer coverage of material. Allow time to read and discuss selected scriptures and make application to local needs.

15 min: Elders can arrange locally or give talk from July 1, 1981, Watchtower article, “I Want To.”

7 min: Local experiences as a result of sharing in service on first Sunday or second Saturday of month. Arrange in advance for several to be presented.

Song 117 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 22

Song 1

5 min: Local announcements. Include field service arrangements for weekend.

10 min: Offering Magazines. Discuss with audience talking points from latest issues. Prepare two brief demonstrations on how magazines can be presented using different articles. Encourage all to share in magazine work on fourth Saturday of month.

15 min: “The End of All Badness” and “A New Paradise on Earth.” Discuss with several young children Stories 114 and 115 from Bible Stories book.

15 min: “Let’s Get Acquainted.” Interview two or three young publishers on how they became acquainted with the truth. Encourage congregation to take initiative in getting to know one another, thus creating warm family spirit. Song 64 and prayer. ,

Announcements

• Literature offer for November: Subscription for either The Watchtower or Awake!, or both on a contribution of $3.50 for each one-year subscription, six-month subscriptions, $2.00. December and January: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and “Kingdom Come” on a contribution of $3.25 ($3.75 if 1981 edition of New World Translation is used). February: ' Offer will be “Kingdom Come” book on a contribution of 75c. March: Any 192-page book with exception of “Kingdom Come” and Happiness books, on a contribution of 75c.

• During the week of January 3, 1982. congregations will begin studying “Let Your Kingdom Come” at the congregation book studies.

• 1982 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses: Publishers and pioneers, please order your Yearbooks through your congregation. Congregations should begin accepting orders for these Yearbooks now. Then on the dates listed, or as soon as possible thereafter, send this order to the Society using the regular Literature Order Blank (S-14). November 15. 1981: English: December 15, 1981: French, Greek, Italian, Spanish; February 1, 1982: Dutch, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese. Congregations should order only the number of Yearbooks for which there are requests. PAYMENT SHOULD NOT ACCOMPANY THE ORDER. The Yearbooks will be charged to the literature account at $1.00 each, which is the rate for publishers and the public. Regular and special pioneers on the list before July 1, 1981, may receive a free copy for which the congregation may request credit on the Remittance and Credit Request (S-20). Pioneers may obtain additional copies at 25c each. (Note to secretary: Please have announced to the congregation when the Yearbooks are received so that all who ordered can obtain their copies.) Yearbooks in English for the years 1975 and 1977 are also available.

• New Publications Available:

Making Your Family Life Happy

—Croatian Watch Tower Publications Index for 1976-1980                —English

The Path of Divine Truth Leading to Liberation            —French

• New Cassette Recordings Available: “Jehovah’s Name to Be Declared in All the Earth” (Drama) (single cassette) —French. Swedish The Good News According to Mark (set of two cassettes)   —Finnish.

German

To the Romans (single cassette) —Finnish

Published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society ot New York, Inc., 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn. N.Y. 11201 Our Kingdom Service (USPS 295-360) Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y. Printed in U.S.A.

The new book “Let 'Your Kingdom Come” will provide the basis for five special talks to be given in the congregations during January. Although many of the brothers will have already read the new book through by that time, these animated discussions should not only cultivate a deeper ap-&reciation for the “Kingdom Come” ook on the part of all the brothers, but also will be encouraging to newly interested ones who perhaps have not taken the time personally to read the book through.

Since there will be five Sundays this January, most congregations should be able to arrange to present the five talks during this one month. Of course, if it should be necessary for some congregations to exchange speakers, they can stagger the beginning of the series, which would mean that some congregations will begin the series on January 10 and end on February 7. Also, those congregations attending a circuit assembly or having the visit of the circuit overseer during January will need to make appropriate adjustments.

This is the only notice that will be given regarding this series of special talks. We encourage the elders to act immediately in making necessary arrangements so that the assigned speakers will have sufficient time to prepare well so as to present the material in a fine way. Only qualified speakers should be selected to give these talks. In some cases ministerial servants could be used, if there is a need and they are capable speakers.

The titles of the five talks are as follows:

1—“What God’s Kingdom Means for Our Earth” (Chap- 1-4)

2—“The Messianic King of God’s Kingdom” (Chap. 5-8)

3—“Kingdom Servants Conquer by Their Faith” (Chap. 9-11)

4—“The ‘Last Days’ and God’s Kingdom—Now!” (Chap. 1214)

5—“Rewards for Loyally Advocating God’s Kingdom” (Chap. 15-18)

No outlines will be provided for these talks, but the speakers will want to stick closely to the material presented in the assigned chapters of the “Kingdom Come” book. A speaker may wish to refer to specific points in the book during his presentation and may include the audience to some ^extent in the discussion. However, the information should be presented

congregation. As they share in all features of the field ministry and discharge other responsibilities, they ‘acquire for themselves a fine standing’ in the congregation. (1 Tim. 3:13) As they reach Sut and become more zealous, they ray, in time, be assigned to handle additional responsibilities. This may include handling service meeting parts, giving public talks or conducting a congregation book study. Wnat a fine contribution they make to the growth and stability of the congregation as they learn to carry out their assignments with reliance on Jehovah and his holy spirit!

OUR SUBMISSION AND OBEDIENCE

⁶ How can we demonstrate our appreciation for the elders’ loving oversight? One way is by taking advantage of opportunities to cooperate with those taking the lead. Our being mindful of their weighty responsibilities should stir us to respect them and obediently submit to their direction. When we display proper regard for our hardworking elders, we contribute to our joy and theirs, while strengthening the spirit of our congregational family.—1 Thess. 5:12, 13.

⁸ Another way to demonstrate your appreciation is to take the initiative in asking to work along with these brothers, and the ministerial servants, in field service. The first Sunday of the month or the second and fourth Saturdays would be a fine time to do so. Your sharing with them weekly in the preaching and disciplemaking work will be a source of encouragement to them and will result in refreshment for yourself. —Rom. 1:11, 12.

⁷ What a privilege we have to be active Christian associates, carrying out our God-assigned work! As we work hard to share in vindicating Jehovah’s name, we should use our talents, gifts and energies in a worthwhile way. Elders and ministerial servants should earnestly endeavor to care for their respective responsibilities in an exemplary manner. By imitating those who take the lead, the congregation will be united in reflecting their activity, love and concern. —Phil. 3:17.

With Boldness

• ¹ The Kingdom message is unique. Thus, at appropriate times, the circumstances in which we preach require boldness. Evidently with this in mind the apostle Paul made frequent reference to the need for bold persistence in speaking the Word of God. (Eph. 6:1820; 1 Thess. 2:2) Like first-century witnesses, we must not allow apathy, fear of men or opposition to cause us to become timid or hesitant in presenting Kingdom truths.—Acts 4:29-31; 28:30, 31.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

• ² At times it may seem difficult or inconvenient to reach a certain home or individual with our message. Will we boldly persist? While out in the door-to-door work, a sister asked a woman whether anyone was living in a certain downstairs apartment since she had never located anyone there before. The woman tried to dissuade the sister from calling at the apartment, stating that the man who lived there was busy. Our sister tactfully persisted and was able to speak with the young man who lived there. He had never talked with Witnesses before and readily agreed to study with a brother in the congregation. Before long, he was attending meetings and participating in the field ministry.

• ³ Being bold does not mean being rude, self-reliant or presumptuous. It does involve determination and tactful persistence so as to take advantage of every appropriate occasion to preach. When we are motivated by a genuine love of God and neighbor, we can speak the truth with boldness.—Acts 26: 24-26.

OCCASIONS FOR SHOWING BOLDNESS

• ⁴ Are you hesitant about making return visits, perhaps fearing that you will be turned away? That is how one couple felt, even though they had located a young woman who expressed interest in the Bible’s message. However, at a congregation meeting, they received encouragement to follow up interest and therefore decided to call back. Imagine their joy when this woman welcomed them and informed them that she and her neighbor had been studying the Bible on their own. They had prayed to God for help and in a matter of days had received the first visit from this couple. The two women eagerly accepted a Bible study and made excellent progress. How happy this Witness couple must be that they took courage and returned!

^s The conditions under which we preach the “good news” will not always be favorable or easy. But when confronted with indifference or outright ridicule because of our stand for the truth, we will need to speak up with boldness, yet doing so with mildness and deep respect. (1 Pet. 3:15) This will honor Jehovah’s name and may work for the salvation of honest-hearted ones who listen, see that they also listen and learn. Where they sit during the meetings may have a bearing on how they listen and whether they learn or not. Are they sitting with those who will help them concentrate on the meetings? During meetings is not a time to be eating or playing.

• ¹⁰ It is good for elders and ministerial servants to set a good example by being seated and listening rather than caring for some responsibility during the meeting. In our field ministry, conduct, appearance and bearing, let us all apply Christian principles, doing all things out of love for God, Christ Jesus and our brothers. This will be in line with the words of Paul, who said he wrote certain things “that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in God’s household, which is the congregation of the living God, a pillar and support of the truth.” —1 Tim. 3:14, 15.

publishers in July and over 104,000 home Bible studies.              .

♦ For the first time, Costa Rica- passed the 6,000 mark with 6,005 publishers reporting in July. A new peak of 5,627 Bible studies was also reported.

♦ Over 1,500 brothers and. sisters from Paraguay were able to attend the “Kingdom Loyalty" convention in o nearby country. They were greatly encouraged to continue their service, although the work is banned in Paraguay.

$ District conventions in the Caribbean were well supported with 7,640 attending in Guadeloupe, 2,290 in the Netherlands Antilles and 31,886 at the three conventions in Puerto Rico.

♦ Japan reported another new peak in July of 62,827 publishers. Congregation publishers averaged 15.1 hours in July even though it was a hot month and many of them traveled to district conventions.

Be Zealous                  (Cont’d)

gency to spread life-giving knowledge, we will show zeal by sharing in field service to the extent possible.

STIR OTHERS TO ZEALOUS WORKS

• ⁵ Despite colder weather in much of the country in November, zeal should impel us to be out in the field, preaching in our territory. (Jer. 20:9) Could you take full advantage of the congregation’s arrangements for group witnessing? What about planning to go out at other times as well? Talk over your schedule with others and encourage them to work with you.

• ⁶ In view of these critical times and the urgent message we bear, there is a need for us to “be aglow with the spirit” as we encourage others to become acquainted with God and his Word. By zealously spreading the life-giving knowledge published in The Watchtower and Awake! and inviting others to subscribe to them, we give evidence of our own appreciation for the vital information they contain. Remember that these are the most widely circulated religious magazines in the world. Certainly they are the most beneficial ones published. So we have good reason to be zealous and enthusiastic about offering the subscriptions.

• ⁷ Ask yourself: “Am I zealous for fine works? Can my support of the preaching activity be described as ardent, whole-souled?” Your answers will tell you much about the intensity of your zeal. The more we share in spreading life-giving knowledge, the greater will be the number of those who see that we are truly a people “zealous for fine works.”—Titus 2:14.

4

¹

Proper Decorum              (Cont’d)

including the congregation book study, elders’ meetings and others.

» Some may have problems with being on time for congregation meetings. Of course, it is understandable that at times unavoidable circumstances may be encountered. But love for the truth and for our brothers will move us to come early, when at all possible, so as to benefit from wholesome Christian fellowship. Often it is simply a matter of good planning.

LISTEN AND LEARN

⁹ Individually we have a responsibility to listen and learn. (Luke 8:18) We want to get the most out of the meetings, since the information is coming from the ‘faithful slave’ and is for our spiritual feeding and benefit. (Matt. 24:45-47) Parents have a responsibility toward their children to